c.1880 Utagawa School Shunga Surimono – Early Meiji Erotic Masterwork
 
A richly detailed Utagawa School shunga surimono from c.1880, bridging the stylistic elegance of late Edo with the evolving aesthetic of the early Meiji era.  This vibrant scene depicts a richly dressed couple in an intimate moment, framed by a luxuriously appointed interior.  The striking color contrasts — deep indigo, crimson, gold, and black — are complemented by intricate textile patterns rendered with precision.
 
Measures 12 cm x 8.3 cm.  In excellent condition for its age, the shunga woodblock print boasts strong, unfaded pigments, crisp linework, mica (metallic pigments), and beautiful bleed-through of the colors on the verso, affirming its authenticity.  The artist’s skill in layering decorative elements within the scene — from the detailed robes to the room’s refined décor — reflects the opulence and narrative depth that define the Utagawa tradition.
 
A superb example for collectors seeking authentic late 19th century Japanese erotic art, this work embodies the transition between eras while preserving the sensual, dramatic storytelling of the Utagawa School.